North Carolina Motor Vehicle Title Bond

How do I obtain a bonded title?

We recommend contacting the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure you meet all requirements before purchasing a bond with Self Service Surety. It is your responsibility to follow North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles directions prior to purchasing a bond. For convenience we have summarized some critical steps here:

1. Fill out a North Carolina Title Application (form MVR-1) and an Affidavit of Facts (MVR-92H). All liens must be declared and the application must be notarized.
2. Complete an inspection with an inspector of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicle’s License & Theft Bureau. You will need the Title Application and Affidavit of Facts with you at the time of inspection.
3. Get your vehicle appraised either by visiting an NCDMV license plate agency or by calling the NCDMV Customer Contact Center at (919) 715-7000.
4. Return to selfservicesurety.com, click the “ORDER BOND” button, and complete your purchase online. The required bond amount will be 1.5 times the vehicle’s value as determined by the appraisal in step 3.
5. Complete an emissions inspection at an authorized inspection station.
6. Pay all required fees and taxes, and submit your full application along with all documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Obtaining a bonded title can be an involved and complicated process. When in doubt, contact the North Carolina DMV and discuss your questions with a representative.

Who needs a North Carolina Bond Certificate of Title?

If you purchase or otherwise receive a motor vehicle with a lost or improperly assigned title, a title bond is required to establish your ownership of the car and to register your vehicle. It is best to call the DMV directly to ensure that your unique case requires and is eligible for a title bond.

Why are title bonds required?

A title bond ensures that compensation is available to individuals who subsequently come forward as rightful owner of the vehicle. A rightful owner that comes forward prior to the bond’s expiration may be entitled to compensation up to the full penalty amount of the bond. After the bond’s expiration, the title is considered clean and no further claims can be made. North Carolina bonded titles expire after 3 years, at which point you can apply for the “bonded” brand to be removed.